I’ve been watching the Derek Jeter documentary on ESPN called “The Captain.” In 1996, the New York Yankees defeated the Baltimore Orioles in five games to advance to the World Series. Cal Ripkin Jr grounded out to Derek Jeter to end the series.

As the first baseman caught the throw from Jeter and began celebrating, you can see Ripken Jr diving into first base. This caught my attention because it is not fundamentally sound baseball. Players are taught from the earliest age to always run through the bag because it is faster than diving. 
 
A meaningful reflection of Jesus happens as we stick to the fundamentals in desperate circumstances.
 
It is interesting that Cal Ripken Jr would dive because He is known for fundamentals. Since retiring, he has become an ambassador and developer of the game through “The Ripken Baseball Experience.” A quick YouTube search will retrieve numerous instructional videos featuring Cal and his brother Billy.  
 
So why did He dive into first base?
 
My guess is desperation. Knowing the series and his season would be over if he didn’t reach safely, Ripken felt the urgency of the moment and tried something other than the basic, proven method. He knew running through the bag was faster than diving, but the moment overwhelmed him and in his desperation to beat the throw, he did the very thing that would slow him down. 

Truth Is 
In life, as with baseball, when faced with desperate circumstances, we often look for an answer in something other than what we are supposed to do. We look for something “extra” that can match the level of our circumstance, rather than depend upon the proven method. 
 
God-given fundamentals for dealing with circumstances of life: 

  • Bible — 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • Prayer — 1 Peter 5:7
  • Fasting — Matthew 6:16-18

God established spiritual fundamentals to help us navigate life. They are as beneficial today as they were when He first provided them. The only drawback with these fundamental disciplines is our tendency to go away from them when facing desperate circumstances; believing in that moment, they feel normal, basic, and perhaps not enough. 
 
I don’t know what circumstance you’re staring at right now, but I do know that God is the answer. He has given you His word, His interaction, and His power as fundamentals for dealing with everything you encounter. Let’s be a people who stay fundamentally sound in our faith no matter how we feel in the moment. 
 
Keep Reflecting Jesus!